Tasmania Police and SES will conduct their bi-annual test of the Launceston flood siren on Monday October 8 at 1.00pm in the suburbs of Invermay and Inveresk.

"Launceston is a flood prone municipality, with the suburbs of Invermay and Inveresk being particularly at risk,” said Commander Richard Cowling.

“In the event of a major flood, approximately 3000 residents and up to 270 businesses would require evacuation from the Invermay/Inveresk area.  The major flooding of 2011 served as a solid reminder as to Launceston's flood risk.

“As the organisation responsible for evacuation, we are confident that we are well prepared for an evacuation if and when required for the Invermay area," said Commander Cowling.

Tasmania Police, the State Emergency Service and the Launceston City Council have undertaken significant work to continually improve Launceston's flood evacuation warning system, and now have new arrangements in place for the flood siren.

"Previously the flood siren used to be located on top of the wheat silos; it is now a mobile capability mounted on a towable trailer. This new system allows us greater flexibility and improved coverage of the Invermay area.”

From 1.00pm through to 2.00pm, the siren will be sounded for one minute in each of the four quadrants of the Invermay/Inveresk area.

Should an evacuation of the Invermay/Inveresk area be required, the siren will sounded to notify residents and businesses of the need to evacuate. The siren sounds similar to a traditional air raid siren.

Commander Cowling also emphasised the need for people to be aware that the siren is only one tool in a suite of public warning tools available.

"In the event that Invermay requires evacuation, people will be notified via the media, doorknocks conducted by Police and SES, and through the telephone automated messaging system, Emergency Alert. We are confident that this suite of warnings provides an adequate public evacuation system", he said.

For information on what to do before, during and after a flood go to Council's website at www.launceston.tas.gov.au. 

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